Former Indian batter Sadagopan Ramesh applauded Tilak Varma by comparing his match-winning knock in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan to Virat Kohli’s in several run-chases as well. Chasing 147, Team India struggled at 20/3 inside the powerplay when Tilak took over. He finished unbeaten on 69 from 53 deliveries with four sixes and three boundaries, helping India win as well.

Talking about Tilak Varma’s performance on his YouTube channel, Ramesh said: “Tilak Varma played one of the best T20 knocks in a chase. His partnership with Sanju Samson gave life to India’s run-chase. He then added another crucial stand with Shivam Dube. Tilak Varma was the constant and he handled pressure brilliantly. He paced his innings to perfection and played according to the situation throughout. The best thing about his innings was the fact that he finished the game by staying till the end. King Kohli has done this numerous times in a run-chase.”

“We hail Virat Kohli not only for his 50s and 100s but also how he would stay unbeaten till the end and be part of the winning moment. That last man standing quality Virat Kohli used to exhibit, Tilak Varma did that today. Players like Tilak Varma should be encouraged and groomed as captain. Nothing against Shubman Gill but a performing player should be rewarded than giving a leadership position and hoping to be rewarded. If Tilak Varma continues to play such innings consistently, he might captain the Mumbai Indians and eventually India,” he said.

Sadagopan Ramesh also shared his disappointment at captain Suryakumar Yadav’s continued poor run with the bat. He also endured another poor outing in the final against Pakistan, scoring only one off five balls as well.

“Suryakumar Yadav was the most disappointing in the entire lineup. He’s an extraordinary batter and someone with the ability to win matches single handedly. He has led brilliantly and made the perfect bowling changes. He has even sacrificed his position for others. Yet, it is sad that he hasn’t been able to create an impact with the bat,” said Ramesh again.

“Shubman Gill was also disappointing. But there is a big difference between his failures and Suryakumar Yadav’s. Gill is still to prove he can produce game changing knocks in T20Is. They’ve just trusted him on potential and made him vice-captain. On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav has already proven himself and was world No. 1 in T20Is,” he concluded.